Cheaper, More Energy-Efficient and Safer Foam Glass

Description of impact

In collaboration with the companies NIRAS and RecInnovate, Martin Bonderup Østergaard from the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience at Aalborg University has invented a novel method for producing foam glass, also known as cellular glass. This porous type of glass features properties such as low weight, high strength, thermal and acoustic insulation, and resistance to water and fire, making it highly suitable as a building material. The inventors have patented a method that utilizes composite waste materials (e.g., fiberglass and resin) without prior heat treatment. The method is cheaper, more energy-efficient, and less complex than existing solutions, and is therefore considered to have an economic impact. Additionally, the method ensures safe handling of hazardous substances, such as PFAS and heavy metals, involved in the the production process, giving the invention both a green impact and a quality of life impact by reducing pollution- and health risks.

Category of impact	Economic impact, Quality of life impact, Green impact